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Spring 2017

Features

Under-the-radar spring trips. Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,Healthy, free, the world before me,The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.—Walt Whitman, “Song of the Open Road” Few excursions swell the heart of the outdoor enthusiast like a spring road-trip. The sense... Details

The lower Madison in spring. Spring is a tricky season for the angler: weather is unpredictable, fish are elusive, and stream flows are in constant flux. Finding a waterway worthy of your time and effort can be challenging, but where there’s a will there’s a way.That said, spring is also an... Details

Spring skiing in the Madison Range. Arguably the most iconic mountain on the Bozeman skyline, Gallatin Peak is an ideal target for a spring skiing adventure. With a variety of skiable runs, its pinnacle tops out at 11,020 feet, making it the highest summit in the Spanish Peaks. Perhaps the most... Details

Like a herd of rutting rams, various parties butt heads over bighorn-sheep management in southwest Montana—but others are figuring out ways to work together.Great abundance of the Argalia or big-horned animals in the high country through which this river passes. —Meriwether Lewis, May 29, 1805The “... Details

It's easier to see clearly when you know where to look. I lost my lanyard while fishing yesterday. Or so I thought. It started out as a relatively warm early-spring day nymphing on the Yellowstone River, sun occasionally peeking through the clouds, with only moderate wind, nothing like the gales... Details

Departments

Seems we're not so different after all. When a couple first gets together, they can be pretty obsessed with one another. True love means a long-term commitment, but sometimes there’s cheating on the side. If the couple has kids, in general both parents are involved in raising them. And some guys... Details

Spring is in the air and Custer Gallatin National Forest employees are busy across your forest. Here are some important dates to be aware of when planning your recreation this season. Campground OpeningsGreek Creek and Moose Creek – May 5Red Cliff – May 11Spire Rock – May 16Langohr, Hood Creek... Details

A national issue comes home. Last October, the state of Utah sold off almost 400 acres of state-owned land in an area known as Comb Ridge. Normally, this wouldn’t make the news in Montana, but it’s part of a larger story.The transfer of federal lands to states, and the possibility that those lands... Details

Wall-mounted bike storage. Storing a bicycle in your home can be an inconvenience. After doing some research on bike racks, I came across a great-looking wall-mounted model selling for much more than I wanted to pay. I knew I could make something similar for a fraction of the cost. Off to the... Details

Dirt-road rides for spring. If you’re itching to ride but can’t wait for the trails to dry, dirt roads are where it’s at. A gravel-grinder is the best option, but hardtails and short-travel mountain bikes work, too. Here are some routes to consider this spring.Gallatin River: easy; 10 miles round-... Details

This folk rhyme was written in 17th-century England by an unknown agitator; in light of recent efforts to privatize wildlife and our priceless public landscapes, its message rings just as true today. —THE EDITORSThe law locks up the man or womanWho steals the goose from off the commonBut leaves the... Details

Training for summer trail races. Southwest Montana is undoubtedly a Mecca for mountain trail running. Not only do we have alpine opportunities just minutes from our doorstep, but we have some burly mountain races as well. With the Rut, Devil’s Backbone, the Ridge Run, the Bangtail Divide, and many... Details

Or wild-mushroom risotto, 'round these parts. The wild morels and chanterelles you collect this spring shine in a risotto, as they complement the rich, creamy flavor with a robust, nutty taste. Chanterelles add a distinct apricot-like odor and flavor, while morels tend to add a tinge of smokiness... Details

Improving your paddling technique. Spring run-off: Just the thought of all that snow melting out of the mountains and filling the rivers and creeks to their capacity is enough to get any kayaker’s heart pumping. Small creeks transform into raging torrents of frothing brown water, and rivers... Details

Adjusting your workout routine. For some, getting outside can make the difference in a successful exercise program, versus fading into the monotony of a gym routine. This is, in part, why programs like CrossFit have been so successful—they prepare you for all types of activities and are almost... Details

Popular running myths debunked. It’s that time of year again, when we hang up our skis and dust off the running shoes for a mud-laden lap or two. When starting your spring training, avoid making some classic mistakes—and getting injured—due to myth and misinformation. This is Mythbusters, running... Details

Spring ski mountaineering. Want to lay down some turns on a few local summits and couloirs this spring? Ski mountaineering is the name, and combining technical mountaineering with steep skiing is the game. But the stakes are often high in steep, exposed terrain and on firmer snow. Get the training... Details

William Ginn shows off his catch in this back-in-the-day version of the grip-and-grin. His trout were big, he kept them all, and he looked damn good doing it in a wool cap and suit. Yes, times have changed. These days he’d need a flat-brim trucker hat, a fly-patterned buff, and a UV-resistant tech-... Details

Last year’s massive whitefish kill on the Yellowstone River was bad, but for Montana anglers, it may be a signal of what's to come. Last February, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced that the Big Hole, Jefferson, Madison, East Gallatin, Gallatin, Yellowstone, Shields (at the Yellowstone),... Details

Dos and don'ts on the river.In fishing, as in life, etiquette is important. But we seem to have backslid a bit, into a more chaotic pattern of self-obsessed slights, ongoing offenses, and odious infractions that degrade the angling experience. To avert fishing fisticuffs and streamside vigilantism... Details

Staying active in the public-lands fight is essential to ensuring victory for outdoor recreation, public access, and wildlife protection. Below you'll find all the information you need to make a difference. Address emails to:Montana State Senate (2017 session)[email protected],... Details

Two (great) reasons to visit Dillon this spring. Snowy mountain ranges frame Montana’s big sky in almost every direction as you take a deep breath of crisp, sage-scented air. You shift your gaze down to the Beaverhead River, glistening as it winds through the valley far below. It’s mud season, but... Details

Spring paddling safety. As spring settles into the northern Rockies, whitewater enthusiasts eagerly watch the weather, waiting for winter snowmelt to come roaring down the rivers. In southwest Montana, river-runners appear from near and far to enjoy this lively stage of the hydrologic cycle.... Details

A canine slide-for-life. Skiing with canine comrades is one of the most rewarding experiences dog-owners can have, but it can also be one of the riskiest. The objective hazards of alpine recreation require a different interpretation when traveling with man’s best friend. Understanding these... Details

Lowland camping this spring. By the time spring rolls around, we’ve all got cabin fever. And even if you spent the winter outside, skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing, when’s the last time you slept under the stars? As temperatures rise, the urge to camp grows, soon outpacing the languid melt-out... Details

Quenching the spring-climbing thirst. If you’re a rock climber in Bozeman, you’ve probably found yourself seasonally confused. One day, a rogue storm will drop smoky cold powder and pull you to your skis and into the Bridger Range. The next, you long for a dry sunny day wrestling slabs of rock with... Details

Getting Bozeman's youth in motion. Kids these days, we all say, shaking our heads as if we were any different. And of course, we were different, but only because our circumstances made us so. There were no iPhones, no social media, and no virtual-reality goggles. We went outside because TV got... Details

BZN gets short. Acronyms and abbreviations are useful (if often misconstrued) linguistic tools. Here’s a primer to a few that are common to southwest Montana, along with some misconstruction, just for fun.BBC—Bridger Bowl CloudAhhh yes, the phenomenon that dumps copious quantities of snow on... Details

Tracking Jupiter this spring. Every range needs its boss to keep the cowboys on point and the cattle moving, and the range of the sky is no different. Look southward this spring on a pleasant, clear night and you’ll find the bright light that serves as the range boss of the sky.It will be easy to... Details

Adventure, science & microplastics in the Gallatin. The Gallatin River is Bozeman’s lifeblood: Bozemanites depend on this river system for drinking water, love it for its recreational opportunities, and recognize its importance to maintaining a healthy, functional natural environment.But all... Details

Fishing the Mother's Day Caddis Hatch. Still suffering from cabin fever? Well, it’s time to dust off those winter cobwebs and get ready for the first big hatch of the year, the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch.This hatch is best experienced in person, as it has to be fished to truly be appreciated. It’s... Details

Bozeman mountain bikers have long craved a three-season destination close to town, and thanks to the tireless efforts of Bozeman’s Tim Hawke, they’re going to get their wish. The Bureau of Land Management has approved Tim’s proposal for 30 miles of trail at Copper City, a swath of scrub and rolling... Details

Pet questions for spring. We all have questions about our pets, but few of us have expert answers. That’s why we asked a pro—here’s what longtime Bozeman-area vet Dr. Sid Gustafson had to say. —the editors1. Should I be concerned about my dog getting into winterkill? Why?Yes, you should be... Details

Shooting moving objects. Moving subjects can be the single-hardest thing for a photographer to tackle. In fact, they can be so unpredictable that even professional sports and wildlife photographers are never sure what exactly they might get out of any given shoot. But what the pros have on their... Details

Choosing day by day. “People are like dice. We throw ourselves in the direction of our own choosing.” ―Jean-Paul SartreIt could be the season—spring is a time of abundant change—or maybe it’s the political and social climate we’ve been enduring, but lately many of my friends have been asking some... Details

Connecting the two in Gallatin Valley. A few years ago, I attended a presentation by Randy Brown who at the time was the executive director of the Foothills Land Conservancy. The group is dedicated to preserving open space around the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, similar to the work the... Details

Gear Reviews

If you could get 20 tools for $100, you’d do it, right? That pretty much describes the Signal from Leatherman, an new multi-tool with all the everyday essentials like a blade, screwdriver, and bottle-opener, plus new survival-specific items such as a fire-starting ferrocerium rod and emergency... Details

This time of year can be frustrating—I leave the house with clear skies but by the time I get to the trailhead the clouds have rolled in. If I go without shades on cloudy days, my eyes dry out from the wind, but if I wear my sunglasses I struggle to see in the trees. This dilemma led me to Native... Details

When it comes to recreating in the great outdoors, hydration is essential. Thanks to the Katadyn BeFree filtration water flask, the guesswork has been taken out of where your next drink will come from, giving you a little extra peace of mind when venturing into the backcountry. This convenient... Details

I walk a lot—around town and in the mountains—and I have struggled for years to find durable and practical shoes that fit my wide foot and also fit a modest budget. Thanks to the Rockport Trail Technique, I have to look no further. Providing an excellent balance between comfort, style, and... Details

Unless this was the winter you decided to fat-bike more, it’s probably been a few months since you took your steed for a gallop. Do yourself a favor: before returning to the trail, give ‘er a tune up. There’s basic maintenance you can do at home, and the Pro Elite from Feedback Sports is just the... Details

Rarely does a product come along whereby I find myself secretly hoping for the end of ski season in exchange for warmer temps. The super-comfy Hi-Tec Waimea Falls casual sandals actually had me contemplating such nonsense. These attractive, adjustable strappy sandals offer a secure customized fit.... Details

Last year I destroyed my favorite pants, ripping out the backside as I bootie-scooted down a steep scree field below Mt. Cowan. I’d needed mobility for the climb, which meant I had to sacrifice durability on the descent—thick, tear-resistant pants just don’t bend where you need ’em to, right? Wrong... Details

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—this maxim is why I’ve never drunk vitamin water. Pop a pill, down it with a glass of agua—is that so hard? It’s certainly cheaper, healthier, and less wasteful. Then along came a sample box from Purps, whose Hydro thirst-quencher contains fruit and vegetable juice,... Details

Sometimes, you need to get your dog exercised quickly and across town safely by bike. The WalkyDog Plus bike leash is an ingenious yet simple product that gives you hands-free control while riding. Once you’ve secured the adjustable clamp to your seatpost, and the springs inside the leash-bar are... Details

I spend a great deal of time fishing from my kayak, so protecting dry gear from becoming wet is incredibly important to me. I also need to maximize the limited storage space in my kayak’s bow hatch, which is why I use the Bulkhead tapered drybag from SealLine. This bag features an updated... Details

Spring’s here and it’s time to ride—which means it’s also time to worry about getting flattened by an F-350. Fret less with CYCL’s WingLights, a cool innovation for cyclists that offers visibility for drivers and peace of mind for you. These simple little gadgets plug right into your handlebar-ends... Details

I’ve never been a fan of mummy bags; I understand their usefulness when backpacking, but even then I’ve been known to take a traditional bag for comfort. NEMO must have read my mind because they’ve combined comfort and packability with their Nocturne 15. This spoon-shaped bag provides extra room at... Details

Spring in Bozeman means variable trail conditions, so if you’re going to spend time on the run, you’ll need a shoe that can handle it all. Enter the Challenger ATR 3 from Hoka One One. Out of the box, they’re extremely lightweight, meaning they’re agile on the trail, which is essential when picking... Details

OtterBox is back! That’s right, the original river-runner’s mini storage box, which kept cameras and other sensitive items safe and dry, has finally ended its hiatus. The 3250 may not be bright yellow like its predecessors, but it’s every bit as burly—the super-strong polycarbonate can take a... Details

A lightweight shell is a staple and especially useful in spring. Whether you’re running, biking, hiking, or fishing, having a water-repellent windproof layer will keep you comfortable and safe when the weather turns. The Select Escape from Pearl Izumi is a no-frills option that is bike-specific. It... Details

There’s a new player in the bear-spray game, and they’ve added a new line of defense: the safety horn. It makes sense, right? Disrupt the raging bear’s behavior with as many sensory inputs as possible. Blast the charging bruin with the Frontiersman Bear Spray—its whopping 35-foot-long pepper cloud... Details

Despite being a tomboy, I find myself drawn to wearing skirts, mostly because they’re versatile, comfortable, easy to dress up or down, and look better than just wearing tights. The Chaka by Toad & Co. fits the bill perfectly for ready-to-go-anywhere attire. With a classic A-line silhouette,... Details

On some days lethargy reigns, and we struggle to summon the requisite motivation for the hike, bike, run, or gym workout that we so desperately need—and that, ironically, will release us from the very torpor that’s holding us back. When tea or coffee won’t cut it, give your waning willpower a boost... Details

The new Brinno TLC120 time-lapse camera makes a great travel accessory. It’s small enough to throw in a pack, it sets up anywhere, and it doesn’t require housing. Not a professional photographer? That’s okay—the Brinno app allows you to connect through your phone for a wide-angle field of view. It... Details

While on the water, there’s no better way to safeguard your scattergun than with an AMS Amphibian Hunter gun case. This baby’s fully waterproof, with a super-tight, roll-top closure; it’s padded to protect against inadvertent impact; and it floats. Welded D-rings keeps it lashed to your craft, and... Details

After two seasons of heavy abuse and several patch jobs, it was time for a new air mattress. I opted for the four-season, rugged, go-anywhere NeoAir All Season SV from Therm-A-Rest. It took several tries using the new SpeedValve, but once I got the hang of it, the mattress aired up quickly. Fully... Details

Book Reviews

The mark of a great short-story collection is that each stands on its own, while at the same time contributing a necessary element to the overall volume. In Stories from Afield: Adventures with Wild Things in Wild Places (University of Nebraska Press, $19), Bruce L. Smith’s stories do just that.... Details

Bird books are like opinions and posterior apertures—everyone, it seems, has one. And sifting through the gaggle of options can be a tedious, untidy process, after which you may want to abandon bird-watching altogether. Not so with Stan Tekiela’s Birds of Montana (Adventure Publications, $15), an... Details

The “Big Sky PI” is back in John Holt’s second installment of his Ed Bouchee murder-mystery series. Blown Away Under the Big Sky (New Pulp Press, $15) takes the reader on a rollicking jaunt through life in small-town Montana, complete with fly fishing, epic landscapes, and a colorful cast of... Details